Senior Research Fellow in Neurosurgery

Job Overview University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job: Senior Research Fellow in neurosurgery

Start Date: August 2026

Contract Type: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Purpose for Fixed Term: Training Contract This post is appointed on a fixed-term basis for the primary purpose of providing structured training and supervised clinical development. While the postholder will contribute to service delivery, the overarching purpose of the post is to provide defined educational opportunities, supervised clinical practice, and experience aligned to the relevant specialty training curriculum Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job This post is jointly funded by UHS and the NIHR CRN and provides unrivalled training in both clinical neurosurgery and the management and conduct of clinical research. The neurosurgery research programme at the Wessex Neurological Centre is the largest neurovascular programme in the UK. This is an opportunity to learn about all aspects of clinical research ranging from trial design, set up and recruitment, to data collection and analysis. Successful candidates will be part of a team of 4 research fellows working different aspects of neurovascular disorders and will gain further support from the wider body of research fellows in the Trust. As part of this they will participate in the Wessex Clinical Research Network Clinical Research Fellows training programme and statistics courses and receive certification of this. Successful candidates will be encouraged develop their own research project and pilot data. This will provide an excellent opportunity for those wanting to pursue a higher degree in a department with a track record of previous fellows successful in obtaining funding from prestigious national bodies like the NIHR to continue their work. It therefore represents an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to gain an understanding of neurosurgical research for their future clinical career, as well as being the ideal opportunity for a candidate wishing to develop an area of interest to work towards application for a higher degree and an academic pathway.

Working for our organisation As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme. Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted. We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities You will split your time equally between clinical care of neurosurgical patients (in theatre, on the wards and in outpatients) and supporting clinical studies in Neurovascular disease and traumatic brain injury currently recruiting at the Wessex Neurological Centre. For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for. It outlines the essential criteria for the role and is designed to support you in preparing your application by helping you evaluate how your skills, experience, and professional background align with the requirements of the role.

Additional Information Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed fellow doctors and dentists. Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should ensure they meet the Home Office application criteria prior to submitting an application. Successful candidates will have an educational framework equivalent to training grade doctors, and there will be a named educational supervisor assigned at the start of the post. The opportunity for Continued Professional Development (CPD) is highly supported and encouraged by the Trust, with options available to take study leave. Grades for Trust appointed fellows will be paid a basic salary at a nodal pay point linked to the grade, at the rate set out in the National Medical and Dental pay circular. Basic salary plus any additional remuneration (as applicable) for hours set out in the doctors work schedule (e.g. additional hours, weekend allowance, and any hours which attract enhanced pay) Salary will be assessed based on experience and skills. Eligibility criteria for appointment to a Nodal Point 5; Have a minimum of 6 years of Specialty training Hold relevant higher specialty exam (e.g FRCP, FRCA, FRCS) A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they meet the criteria for progression (in line with the Curriculum for the speciality similar to deanery trainee) Proposed interview date: 29th May 2026 This vacancy closes on or before 6th May 2026

Person specification Qualifications, Training & Experience Essential criteria MBBS or equivalent medical qualification GMC registration with a licence to practise Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems 4 months training in Neurosurgery, neurology or neurointensive care Successful completion of a Foundation Programme Desirable criteria Postgraduate – MRCS or equivalent BSc (or other intercalated degree) other higher degrees (eg. PhD) Undergraduate Awards Course in medical statistics Additional experience in Neurosurgery Additional experience in Neurovascular disease, traumatic brain injury Additional experience in research and audit Aptitudes and skills Essential criteria Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English). Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines Demonstrate the ability to be calm, compassionate, and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidl Proven ability to manage acute neurosurgical emergencies. Desirable criteria Valid GCP ATLS Provider Living Trust Values Essential criteria Patients First Always Improving Working Together